Since we own different versions of vanagon in the family, I can confirm the
following by order of highest  suspension height (unmodified OEM equipment):

1. Syncro tintop
2. Syncro camper
3. 1985 tintop
4. 1985 camper
5. 1986 and later tintop GL
6. 1986 and later GL camper
7. 1986 and later Carat or multivan

btw, last year we put on my son's 1988 GL tintop a set of Schwenk springs
and Koni classic red shocks. He's very happy with it... comfort, ride
height and road handling. The set up brings his GL tintop a bit higher than
an 85 but lower than a Syncro tintop - maybe same as a Syncro camper.

On Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 7:10 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi Jeff,
>
> Just catching up to your messages.  I wish I could get them to stop going
> to junk!  I don’t consider your messages junk!
>
> I think I read in several places that the earlier vans were higher and 85
> the stock hight the highest.  I would recommend not going any higher.  Same
> hight or if trying to get into more garages easily even a bit lower.
>
>         When my van came back with .5 inch higher wheels. Dennis careful
> drove it into my garage for a test fit.  Last time I had a inch.  This time
> new garage doors and seals and more hight on the van.
>
>         It made it in but the foam seal kissed the van top as it went in!
>
> So, hight is ok but our 85’s are already tall!
>
> I ended up keeping my stock springs as they were in good shaped still
> doing a good job.
>
> With unlimited dollars I would have updated but in the end I could not be
> happier with ride and handling.
>
> I would have to speak highly for bigger wheels and though I  thought 17
> was a bit much I’m happy I went with them.
>
> My second choice would have been 16 and as close to stock look as
> possible.
>
> Instead I apparently have bling.
>
> Eric Caron
>